Navigating the fine line between age-appropriate makeup and healthy skin.
As a beauty writer, I get asked a lot of questions and recommendations—and they often depend on the age of the person asking. My aunt wants advice on anti-aging skincare while my close friends are more interested in the best local makeup brands.
But when I’m talking to younger girls—think high-school age or younger—the conversations always start the same way: “How old were you when you started wearing makeup?” That’s almost always followed by, “When do you think girls should start wearing it?”
Now, that’s a loaded question. There’s a lot wrapped up in the concept of young girls wearing makeup—from self-expression to societal expectations.
Right age to start wearing makeup
Dr. Ayee Calimag of Skin House Laser emphasized that there isn’t a specific age for makeup, but choosing age-appropriate products and learning proper application techniques are crucial for healthy skin. She believes wearing makeup is a deeply personal experience.
“There is no strict age when one can start using makeup—it depends on family values or the environment they are in.” she said. “It is recommended that parents discuss makeup openly and offer guidance once the child expresses interest.”
She adds, “Once the child is allowed to wear makeup, it is best to start with a very minimal amount, and to do patch testing first before applying anything on the face.”
Of course, the best makeup for teenagers depends on a few different factors: your day-to-day life, your budget, and your personal style. Some teens are more glitter than clean-girl minimalism. Some prefer a fresh, dewy look, while others gravitate toward a more sculpted, YouTube-tutorial vibe. The fun of makeup is that it’s not permanent; you can wash it off whenever you want, so you don’t have to take it so seriously!
Skincare for teenagers
Regardless of whether teenagers decide to wear makeup or not, they need to prioritize skincare. Experts unanimously agree that building a simple, consistent routine is key–starting with the basics: cleansing, moisturizing and applying sunscreen. If makeup is being used, an additional step of double cleansing is recommended to take it off thoroughly.
“Less is more when it comes to skincare for teens. Avoid using harsh ingredients and doing complex routines. Use a gentle cleanser twice daily, a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer, and sunscreen of at least SPF30. For makeup users, look for products that are non-comedogenic and don’t clog pores.”
However, some skin concerns go beyond what basic skincare can address and require proper treatment. So it is best to let your dermatologist tailor a routine according to your skin type and needs.
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Teenage-specific beauty products
As a beauty writer, I’ve come across various brands targeted toward teenagers and young adults. According to Dr. Ayee, there are a few ingredients that teens should incorporate into their beauty routine.
“Due to hormonal influence, there is an increased production of sebum among teens, making them acne-prone. Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, among others, may aid in improving acne-prone skin. Retinoids like adapalene (once age-appropriate) may also be used two to three times per week, depending on dermatologist’s recommendation,” she said.
Navigating acne-prone skin among teenagers
Acne is a skin condition most commonly persistent during teenage years. So I was sure to ask Dr. Ayee for some tips to navigate around it.
She suggests using products with ingredients compatible with your skin type. Only use oil-free non-comedogenic products. Avoid using products with harsh ingredients (like toners with alcohol) to avoid stripping the skin of its natural lipids. And do not apply too many products on the skin. Remember that a good skincare habit revolves around cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection.
Ultimately, the right time to start wearing makeup depends on much more than just age. While makeup can be an extremely fun tool of self-expression, it should never come at the expense of healthy skin. The teenage years are an ideal time to establish a solid skincare routine—one that helps makeup enhance your natural features without compromising skin health in the long run.
